We share your concern and burden for those who profess Christianity yet continue to live in a manner that does not align with biblical principles. It is indeed disturbing to see marriage treated lightly, with divorce and remarriage occurring multiple times, and extramarital affairs taking place. This lifestyle is not consistent with the teachings of Jesus Christ and the principles outlined in the Bible.
Firstly, let us address the issue of marriage and divorce. In Malachi 2:16, God says, I hate divorce, says the LORD, the God of Israel. Marriage is a sacred covenant between a man, a woman, and God, and should not be entered into lightly or discarded flippantly. Remarriage after divorce is also addressed in the scriptures. In Matthew 5:32, Jesus says, But I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her an adulteress; and whoever marries her when she is divorced commits adultery.
To those who are living in a manner that does not align with these principles, we pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you in the name of Jesus Christ, lifting up those who are living in a way that does not honor your holy institution of marriage. We pray to accept your word. Convict their hearts and bring them to a place of true repentance. Help them to see that your ways are higher and better than our own. Guide them to seek your face and turn from their ways. In Jesus name.
Regarding those who profess Christianity yet continue to live in sin, let us remember that true Christianity is not merely a label we wear, but a life transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, it is written, Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new.
To those who are professing Christianity yet continuing to live in sin, we say this:
Examine yourselves, testing whether you are in the faith. Prove your own selves. Or do you not know your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. (2 Corinthians 13:5)
We pray for them:
Dear Heavenly Father, again we come in Jesus' name, lifting up those who profess your name yet continue to live in sin. Open their eyes to see that they are walking in darkness. Convict their hearts and draw them to true repentance and a saving faith in Jesus Christ. Help them to understand that it is only through the name of Jesus that we can be saved (Acts 4:12). Help them to turn away from their sinful lifestyles and to follow you wholeheartedly. In Jesus name we pray.
Lastly, we must speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). We should not be afraid to address these issues with our brothers and sisters in Christ. We should also ensure that our own lives are a testament to the transforming power of the gospel. Let us strive to live holy lives, committed to God's principles, and shining as a light in this dark world.
As a final prayer, we lift up all those who are struggling with these issues:
Dear Heavenly Father, in Jesus' name, we lift up all those who are struggling with the issues we've discussed. We ask that you would have mercy on them and draw them to yourself. Help them to see the error of their ways and to turn to you with a whole heart. Use us as your vessels to speak truth and life into their situations. In Jesus mighty name we pray. Amen.